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Merseyside-born boxing legend Tony Bellew has opened a pub at Arrowe Park Hospital.
Bellew, 43, from Liverpool, opened the Dementia Pub at the hospital.
As reported by Birkenhead News, the space, which is on Ward 21 within the hospital, is redesigned to support patients by offering them a relaxing and familiar environment for memory therapy and where they can get social interaction.
The pub serves no alcohol, evidently, as it isn't a real pub, but it recreates the setting that many patients may recognise from their younger days, with the intention to help spark memories, reduce anxiety and encourage human connection during hospital days.
The boxing legend visited the ward to open it. There he spoke with patients, family and staff to learn about how familiar environments can impact patient wellbeing.
The visit was organised with support from David Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at DT Hughes Group and a longstanding supporter of WUTH Charity, who helped bring Tony to the hospital to support the Trust's dementia care work.
Mr Bellew said in a statement: "It was an honour to open the refurbished Dementia Pub at Arrowe Park Hospital and meet the incredible patients, families and staff who use it. When someone is living with dementia, familiar surroundings and simple moments of connection can make such a big difference. Spaces like this help people feel more comfortable, relaxed and able to socialise, and that's really important."
The opening follows the recent refurbishment of the space and forms part of the Trust's wider commitment to creating dementia-friendly environments across its hospitals. Ward 21 recently hosted a dementia activity afternoon in the refurbished pub, where patients and their families came to enjoy games and bingo.
Jenine Kelly, Dementia Matron at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: "The refurbishment of the pub has created a wonderful space for our patients and families to spend time together in an environment that feels familiar and comforting. Reminiscence spaces are incredibly important for people living with dementia because they help spark memories, encourage communication and promote social interaction."
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: "Creating supportive and familiar environments for patients living with dementia is an important part of the care we provide across our hospitals. The refurbishment of the Dementia Pub on Ward 21 is a fantastic example of how thoughtful spaces can make a meaningful difference to patients and families."
